Emotionally-Based School Avoidance/ Non-Attendance

What is Emotional Based School Avoidance?

Emotional Based School Avoidance, or Non-Attendance, often abbreviated as EBSA or EBSNA, refers to situations where a child or young person experiences significant difficulties attending school due to emotional distress. It can also be referred to occasionally as school anxiety or school refusal, but is now more widely referred to as EBSA or EBSNA. 

EBSA can show up as a child often not going to school, saying they do not want to go, or missing lots of days. This is usually because they feel anxious, scared, or very stressed. EBSA is not simply truancy (skipping school or ‘skiving’), it is a complex response to emotional challenges and may require specialist support.

Identifying Signs and Causes

Children and young people affected by EBSA may show signs such as:

• Avoiding or prolonging getting dressed in the mornings
• Refusing to leave the house and/ or transport method to school
• Showing physical and emotional signs of distress
• Being reluctant to attend school for the whole week
• Being unable to attend school at all
• persistent complaints of illness
• heightened anxiety
• avoidance behaviours 
• difficulty separating from parents

The underlying causes of EBSA can be very complex and will be different for every child or young person. Some common causes may be related to:

• anxiety
• bullying
• academic pressures
• changes in routine or school setting
•  traumatic experiences

Early identification can be vital for effective intervention.